Passport Germany Arrives at Central Market with Wines, Flavors and First-Time Finds

Central Market’s much-loved Passport series has always been about discovery.  It’s an annual invitation to taste the world without leaving Texas. From September 10–23, 2025, Passport Germany takes over stores statewide, filling aisles with food, wine, music, and culture that reflect both regional traditions and modern makers.

While sausages, pretzels, and rouladen will draw plenty of attention, the real story this year is in the wine. Central Market wine and beverage buyers Timika  Harris White and Keith Janosik have curated a collection that shows the depth and variety of German winemaking and NA beverages. “Germany is so much more than beer and Riesling,” White says. “We wanted to highlight bottles that speak to both tradition and innovation.” Janosik told me, “Some of these wines have never been sold in the U.S. before, and we’re proud to introduce them to Central Market customers at incredibly affordable prices.”

Central to Passport Germany’s showcase are wines and NA beverages hand-selected by White and Janosik, spotlighting both nuance and narrative. Among the highlights is Heinz Eifel Riesling, a Mosel Valley classic  Spatlese, full of peach and apricot with a long, fresh finish, and the Schafer pinot noir in the photo above, a thrilling red with unexpected complexity. Another standout is Allendorf Save Water Drink Riesling, a non-alcoholic Riesling from the Rheingau that balances citrus, pineapple, and apricot with crisp acidity. Sparkling fans will discover Julg Sekt Brut, a Pfalz-grown sparkling wine from Weingut Julg, produced using traditional bottle fermentation with the same care and aging methods as Champagne. Together, these selections that range from dessert-style Rieslings to mineral-driven non-alcoholic pours and sekt reveal the range and subtlety of German winemaking. The three I loved the most at a recent preview sampling are in the photos above.

Beyond the wine aisle, Passport Germany broadens the table. Shoppers will find authentic sausages, marinated pork specialties, and northern German fishcakes. Pantry additions include Handlmaier’s sweet Bavarian mustard, Berlin’s Wostok sodas, and Van Nahmen juices made from heritage fruit varieties. Sweets are everywhere: bee sting cake, apple torte, Franzbrotchen, braided hefezopf, and whimsical marzipan pigs. Shoppers will also see Allgauer Emmentaler cheese from Bavaria, slow-braised sauerbraten, and chef-prepared dishes like currywurst and Kasespatzle.

Festivities run throughout the two-week event. On September 12, the Dishing on Deutschland Tasting Stroll brings live music, bites, and coupons for guests who come ready to explore. Families will find plenty for kids at the Kinderkarneval Stroll on September 20, with crafts, costumes, and treats designed to bring the tradition to life. Central Market’s Cooking Schools add even more depth with hands-on classes and demonstrations, covering everything from classic cuisine to marzipan cookies.

Although the festival officially ends September 23, Central Market President Stephen Butt says many of the products will remain on shelves, making this more than just a seasonal celebration. For White and Janosik, that’s exactly the point: to give Texans access to flavors, wines, and traditions that until now have rarely reached American stores.